O'Dowd determined to nail down starting shirt once again
Irish rugby player Niamh O'Dowd is aiming to reclaim her starting position as a loosehead prop for the upcoming test window. Despite being limited to bench appearances recently, she remains focused on the competitive nature of the squad and the importance of the full 23-player rotation.
Why it matters
It provides insight into the depth and competitive dynamics of professional international rugby squads.
Ireland prop Niamh O'Dowd is determined to win back the starting loosehead jersey in the upcoming test window, but knows that Ireland's strength in depth makes it a difficult task.
Ireland will play five games across September and October, four of which under the WXV Global Series umbrella, with many viewing the block as a chance for Scott Bemand to blood new options, and to rotate his squad.
One such player who will be keen to put their hand up is Wexford's Niamh O'Dowd, who has had a mixed past two years in green.
Having played in nine of Ireland's 11 tests in 2025, including three World Cup starts, O'Dowd has had to settle for just three bench appearances in the Six Nations so far in 2026.
Nonetheless, O'Dowd enjoyed the experience of providing some boom from the bomb squad.
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